1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:24,040 Almost Satisfying Music 2 00:00:24,040 --> 00:00:33,280 Being Aware of Blessings 3 00:00:54,040 --> 00:01:13,840 When you look around you, your eyes focus on dozens of objects one after the other, 4 00:01:13,840 --> 00:01:14,840 within seconds. 5 00:01:14,840 --> 00:01:20,680 They turn towards the blue sea, boats, the opposite shore, the bridge, flying birds and 6 00:01:20,680 --> 00:01:22,760 many other things. 7 00:01:22,760 --> 00:01:27,080 Even before I uttered this sentence, your eyes have been repeatedly engaged with dozens, 8 00:01:27,080 --> 00:01:29,200 even hundreds of details. 9 00:01:29,200 --> 00:01:35,160 When I enter, dozens of details catch my eye again, each one more beautiful than the other. 10 00:01:35,160 --> 00:01:40,080 These trinkets, eye-catching flowers, and this beautiful clock on the wall. 11 00:01:40,080 --> 00:01:43,560 Allah is the creator of each of these details. 12 00:01:43,560 --> 00:01:48,760 All of these images, which go on and on in harmony with each other, constitute our whole 13 00:01:48,760 --> 00:01:49,920 life. 14 00:01:49,920 --> 00:01:57,640 Our destiny is made up of all these moments. 15 00:01:57,640 --> 00:02:02,640 A Muslim should know that Allah has created every detail he sees and every image he encounters 16 00:02:02,640 --> 00:02:04,240 in his destiny. 17 00:02:04,240 --> 00:02:08,960 This increases his submission to Allah and adds depth to his understanding. 18 00:02:08,960 --> 00:02:14,280 Allah has given us understanding so that we may contemplate his creation, realize his 19 00:02:14,280 --> 00:02:19,240 beautiful presence with deep intimacy, and draw close to him in reverent fear and strong 20 00:02:19,240 --> 00:02:20,240 love. 21 00:02:20,240 --> 00:02:23,480 Allah says so in Surah Al-Insan. 22 00:02:23,480 --> 00:02:26,680 I seek refuge in God from Satan. 23 00:02:26,680 --> 00:02:32,480 Has there not been over man a long period of time when he was nothing, not even mentioned? 24 00:02:32,480 --> 00:02:39,480 Verily, we created man from a drop of mingled sperm in order to try him, so we gave him 25 00:02:39,480 --> 00:02:42,320 the gifts of hearing and sight. 26 00:02:42,320 --> 00:02:46,480 As it is stated in the verse, we are all being tested. 27 00:02:46,480 --> 00:02:50,320 Every morning when we wake up, Allah gives us life again and grants us consciousness 28 00:02:50,320 --> 00:02:51,680 and memory. 29 00:02:51,680 --> 00:02:56,120 He organizes every process happening in our body at every moment. 30 00:02:56,120 --> 00:03:01,600 He controls our blinking, heartbeats, body temperature, immune system, sensitive values 31 00:03:01,600 --> 00:03:06,760 in our blood, and every process happening in our cells, even those we are not aware 32 00:03:06,760 --> 00:03:07,760 of. 33 00:03:07,760 --> 00:03:12,280 Therefore, we must trust in Allah from the moment we open our eyes in the morning. 34 00:03:12,280 --> 00:03:16,360 The first thing we should do when we wake up is to express gratitude to Allah for granting 35 00:03:16,360 --> 00:03:29,760 us the opportunity to wake up with all these blessings. 36 00:03:29,760 --> 00:03:33,920 Human beings live every moment of their lives in need on Allah. 37 00:03:33,920 --> 00:03:39,120 They are dependent on what Allah has created and bestowed upon them in every aspect of 38 00:03:39,120 --> 00:03:40,120 life. 39 00:03:40,120 --> 00:03:45,560 From the air they breathe, the food they eat, the use of their hands and feet, their ability 40 00:03:45,560 --> 00:03:49,640 to speak, their shelter, to their laughter and joy. 41 00:03:49,640 --> 00:03:55,720 However, a large majority of people do not realize inabilities and that they are in need 42 00:03:55,720 --> 00:03:56,720 of Allah. 43 00:03:56,720 --> 00:04:01,880 They think that everything happens spontaneously or that they have achieved what they have 44 00:04:01,880 --> 00:04:05,360 as a result of their own efforts and endeavors. 45 00:04:05,360 --> 00:04:10,460 This is both a great mistake and a great ingratitude towards Allah. 46 00:04:10,460 --> 00:04:15,360 Some people who do not know how to thank even a person who buys them a small gift live their 47 00:04:15,360 --> 00:04:20,120 lives ignoring the countless blessings Allah has given them throughout their lives. 48 00:04:20,120 --> 00:04:33,400 However, they owe everything they have to Allah and they should be grateful to him alone. 49 00:04:33,400 --> 00:04:36,800 Allah gives us so many blessings that we cannot end with counting. 50 00:04:36,800 --> 00:04:39,480 He creates various foods and drinks that we like. 51 00:04:39,480 --> 00:04:43,840 Allah created the fragrance of coffee and the flavor of the food we eat at lunch. 52 00:04:43,840 --> 00:04:46,880 When we open our window, we are encountered with fresh air. 53 00:04:46,880 --> 00:04:51,360 Allah created the clean water that flows from the tap every time we open it and he is the 54 00:04:51,360 --> 00:04:53,920 one who sends us fresh water from the sky. 55 00:04:53,920 --> 00:04:55,760 He heals us when we get sick. 56 00:04:55,760 --> 00:05:00,200 He creates the medical knowledge, doctors and medicines that enable us to be healed. 57 00:05:00,200 --> 00:05:05,320 Allah creates various cleaning and care products, perfumes, beautiful clothes and sparkling 58 00:05:05,320 --> 00:05:06,960 packages for us. 59 00:05:06,960 --> 00:05:11,180 Allah creates for us fruits and vegetables of all colors and different flavors that come 60 00:05:11,180 --> 00:05:15,260 out of the same brown soil and the vitamins and minerals in each of them are adjusted 61 00:05:15,260 --> 00:05:17,620 exactly to our needs. 62 00:05:17,620 --> 00:05:23,340 In the 18th verse of Surah An-Nal in the Quran, I seek refuge in Allah from Satan. 63 00:05:23,340 --> 00:05:26,700 If you would count up the favors of Allah, never would you be able to number them for 64 00:05:26,700 --> 00:05:29,300 Allah is oft-forgiving, most merciful. 65 00:05:29,300 --> 00:05:31,700 Surah An-Nal, 18. 66 00:05:31,700 --> 00:05:35,980 It is not possible to count Allah's blessings even by dividing them into classes as reported 67 00:05:35,980 --> 00:05:36,980 in the verse. 68 00:05:36,980 --> 00:05:41,940 Allah creates for us technological marvels such as telephones, computers, airplanes, 69 00:05:41,940 --> 00:05:44,460 the latest model luxury cars and yachts. 70 00:05:44,460 --> 00:05:49,540 The flowers on your balcony are also created by Allah for you. 71 00:05:49,540 --> 00:05:55,660 Kilometers and hectares of forests, rivers, mountains, blue skies, white clouds, every 72 00:05:55,660 --> 00:06:01,660 fish in the seas, lions, tigers, giraffes in the forests, the cat, dog and bird in your 73 00:06:01,660 --> 00:06:04,700 house are also created by Allah for you. 74 00:06:04,700 --> 00:06:09,180 Along with these, the most important thing is that Allah gives us the intellect to believe, 75 00:06:09,180 --> 00:06:13,380 the conscience to distinguish right from wrong and the sensitivity to love. 76 00:06:13,380 --> 00:06:17,380 He creates with us the Quran, which is a guide for us to live a beautiful life in the world 77 00:06:17,380 --> 00:06:19,660 that Allah will be pleased with. 78 00:06:19,660 --> 00:06:23,500 But he does not create all these blessings and leave us alone in this world. 79 00:06:23,500 --> 00:06:28,220 As our protector, Allah is constantly protecting and watching over us. 80 00:06:28,220 --> 00:06:32,380 We cannot thank Allah enough for all these blessings. 81 00:06:32,380 --> 00:06:35,740 Only a very few of which we have mentioned here in general. 82 00:06:35,740 --> 00:06:38,940 Therefore every day we should start our day with excitement, thinking about what good 83 00:06:38,940 --> 00:06:42,880 things Allah has wished for us that day, and we should start our day with more closeness 84 00:06:42,880 --> 00:06:44,020 to Allah. 85 00:06:44,020 --> 00:06:47,620 We must be attentive in order to see the wisdom and the details of the succession of moments 86 00:06:47,620 --> 00:06:49,140 in our destiny. 87 00:06:49,140 --> 00:06:52,260 Attention in this direction will lead to a deeper understanding and to gain Allah's 88 00:06:52,260 --> 00:06:53,260 pleasure and closeness. 89 00:07:02,860 --> 00:07:11,740 Gratitude means to thank the giver of a blessing, to express satisfaction and gratitude, to 90 00:07:11,740 --> 00:07:16,060 know the value of the blessing given, to appreciate it. 91 00:07:16,060 --> 00:07:22,540 To be grateful to Allah is to realize that Allah is the sole owner of all blessings, 92 00:07:22,540 --> 00:07:28,860 and that everything comes from him alone, and to express this with the heart and tongue. 93 00:07:28,860 --> 00:07:36,100 The opposite of gratitude is described in the Quran by the term kufr, which means ingratitude. 94 00:07:36,100 --> 00:07:40,860 This definition alone is sufficient to show how important gratitude is in the sight of 95 00:07:40,860 --> 00:07:47,460 Allah and how bad a position it puts a person in when he turns away from it. 96 00:07:47,460 --> 00:07:52,660 Gratitude is an important worship reported in many verses of the Quran. 97 00:07:52,660 --> 00:07:58,340 The Quran mentions the importance of gratitude and reminds the believers to be thankful. 98 00:07:58,380 --> 00:08:02,900 Examples of thankful and unthankful people are given. 99 00:08:02,900 --> 00:08:08,100 Gratitude is one of the greatest indicators of faith and tawhid, monotheism. 100 00:08:08,100 --> 00:08:13,740 In one verse, gratitude is mentioned as one of the conditions of serving Allah alone. 101 00:08:13,740 --> 00:08:21,020 O ye who believe, eat of the good things that we have provided for you, and be grateful 102 00:08:21,020 --> 00:08:27,420 to Allah if it is him ye worship. 103 00:08:27,420 --> 00:08:35,540 In another verse, gratitude is mentioned together with worshiping Allah as the opposite of polytheism. 104 00:08:35,540 --> 00:08:39,860 But it has already been revealed to thee, as it was to those before thee. 105 00:08:39,860 --> 00:08:45,740 If thou wert to join gods with Allah, truly fruitless will be thy work in life, and thou 106 00:08:45,740 --> 00:08:50,260 wilt surely be in the ranks of those who lose all spiritual good. 107 00:08:50,260 --> 00:08:55,820 Nay, but worship Allah, and be of those who give thanks. 108 00:08:55,820 --> 00:09:00,620 Believers thank Allah for every blessing they have, thinking how helpless and needy 109 00:09:00,620 --> 00:09:01,860 they are. 110 00:09:01,860 --> 00:09:07,420 Wealth, property, and possessions are not the only blessings for which believers thank 111 00:09:07,420 --> 00:09:08,580 Allah. 112 00:09:08,580 --> 00:09:14,220 Believers, who know that Allah is the owner and judge of everything, are grateful for 113 00:09:14,220 --> 00:09:21,500 their health, beauty, knowledge, wisdom, love of faith, dislike of disbelief, being among 114 00:09:21,500 --> 00:09:27,900 the people of guidance, being with the pure believers, having understanding, prudence, 115 00:09:27,900 --> 00:09:29,420 and discernment. 116 00:09:29,420 --> 00:09:34,620 They thank Allah for a beautiful sight they see, or when their work is done easily, when 117 00:09:34,620 --> 00:09:39,820 something they want is realized, when they hear a good word, when they receive love and 118 00:09:39,820 --> 00:09:45,520 respect, and when they encounter many other blessings, they immediately thank Allah and 119 00:09:45,520 --> 00:09:53,720 think that he is merciful, compassionate, merciful, and gracious. 120 00:09:53,720 --> 00:09:58,880 There are some secrets in the Qur'an about those who are grateful. 121 00:09:58,880 --> 00:10:03,280 Allah has given some secrets to the believers in the Qur'an. 122 00:10:03,280 --> 00:10:06,640 Some of these secrets are for those who are grateful. 123 00:10:06,640 --> 00:10:12,400 In return for the believers' gratitude, Allah gives them the understanding to see and understand 124 00:10:12,400 --> 00:10:16,160 the verses in the Qur'an and in the outside world. 125 00:10:16,160 --> 00:10:18,760 This is stated in the verses as follows. 126 00:10:18,760 --> 00:10:24,160 We sent Moses with our signs and the command, Bring out thy people from the depths of darkness 127 00:10:24,160 --> 00:10:28,800 into light, and teach them to remember the days of Allah. 128 00:10:28,800 --> 00:10:34,320 Verily in this there are signs for such as are firmly patient and constant, grateful 129 00:10:34,320 --> 00:10:38,680 and appreciative. 130 00:10:38,680 --> 00:10:43,320 From the land that is clean and good, by the will of its cherisher springs up produce, 131 00:10:43,320 --> 00:10:45,640 rich, after its kind. 132 00:10:45,640 --> 00:10:50,120 But from the land that is bad, springs up nothing but that which is niggardly. 133 00:10:50,120 --> 00:10:54,840 Thus do we explain the signs by various symbols to those who are grateful. 134 00:10:54,840 --> 00:11:21,720 Surah Al-A'raf 58 135 00:11:21,720 --> 00:11:27,520 Being among those who are grateful is an indication of one's closeness, friendship, 136 00:11:27,520 --> 00:11:30,280 and love for Allah. 137 00:11:30,280 --> 00:11:34,660 Grateful people always have the understanding and ability to see the beauties and blessings 138 00:11:34,660 --> 00:11:38,400 created by Allah in every event. 139 00:11:38,400 --> 00:11:45,180 An unbelieving or ungrateful person always sees deficiencies and flaws, even in the most 140 00:11:45,180 --> 00:11:50,860 beautiful environments, and becomes unhappy or uneasy with them. 141 00:11:50,860 --> 00:11:56,100 As a wisdom of Allah's creation, these people are always confronted with events that seem 142 00:11:56,100 --> 00:11:59,820 to be wrong, and images that are not beautiful. 143 00:11:59,820 --> 00:12:05,860 However, for people who have a beautiful and sincere view, Allah always shows beauties 144 00:12:05,860 --> 00:12:10,660 and blessings by increasing them. 145 00:12:10,660 --> 00:12:14,940 Another secret revealed in the Quran for the thankful is that Allah will increase his favors 146 00:12:14,940 --> 00:12:16,580 for the thankful. 147 00:12:16,580 --> 00:12:21,820 For example, if a Muslim is grateful for his health and strength, Allah will increase his 148 00:12:21,820 --> 00:12:23,980 strength and health. 149 00:12:23,980 --> 00:12:27,240 Allah gives more knowledge and property to those who are grateful for their knowledge 150 00:12:27,240 --> 00:12:28,240 and property. 151 00:12:28,240 --> 00:12:31,380 This means that they are among the people who are content with what Allah has given 152 00:12:31,380 --> 00:12:36,380 them, who rejoice in the blessings they have, and who are sincere and friends with Allah. 153 00:12:36,380 --> 00:12:41,180 Allah has revealed this secret in the Quran as follows. 154 00:12:41,180 --> 00:12:47,140 And remember, your Lord caused to be declared publicly, If he are grateful, I will add more 155 00:12:47,140 --> 00:12:49,160 favors unto you. 156 00:12:49,160 --> 00:12:54,680 But if he show ingratitude, truly, my punishment is terrible indeed. 157 00:12:54,680 --> 00:12:59,920 In many verses of the Quran, Allah has foretold that he will repay gratitude, increase his 158 00:12:59,920 --> 00:13:03,500 favors to those who are grateful and reward them. 159 00:13:03,500 --> 00:13:09,040 Allah declares this beauty in Surah Shashurah as follows. 160 00:13:09,040 --> 00:13:14,920 That is, the bounty, whereof Allah gives glad tidings to his servants who believe and do 161 00:13:14,920 --> 00:13:21,920 righteous deeds, say, No reward do I ask of you for this except the love of those near 162 00:13:21,920 --> 00:13:23,540 of kin. 163 00:13:23,540 --> 00:13:29,760 And if anyone earns any good, we shall give him an increase of good in respect thereof. 164 00:13:29,760 --> 00:13:37,820 For Allah is oft-forgiving, most ready to appreciate service. 165 00:13:37,820 --> 00:13:43,020 It is one of the secrets of the Quran that Allah increases his favors to those who are 166 00:13:43,020 --> 00:13:44,020 grateful. 167 00:13:44,020 --> 00:13:48,900 Of course, this gratitude must be done with true sincerity. 168 00:13:48,900 --> 00:13:54,900 An expression of gratitude that is not sincere, that is not directed towards Allah, and that 169 00:13:54,900 --> 00:14:00,020 is not done with a feeling of the ecstasy of his infinite compassion and mercy, and 170 00:14:00,020 --> 00:14:05,580 that is expressed for show, is an extremely insincere behavior. 171 00:14:05,580 --> 00:14:10,740 Let us not forget that our Lord, who knows what is hidden in the essence of the hearts, 172 00:14:10,740 --> 00:14:13,740 is the witness of this insincerity. 173 00:14:13,740 --> 00:14:19,060 Those who give thanks in such a state of mind do not realize that Allah knows every intention 174 00:14:19,060 --> 00:14:26,340 they have, every thought they conceal, and the secret of the secret. 175 00:14:26,340 --> 00:14:31,820 It should not be forgotten that sincere believers are thankful even in the most difficult circumstances. 176 00:14:31,820 --> 00:14:35,780 A superficially thinking person may see a reduction in the blessings that the believers 177 00:14:35,780 --> 00:14:36,780 have. 178 00:14:36,780 --> 00:14:41,400 However, the believers know that there is a good in every event and every environment 179 00:14:41,400 --> 00:14:43,620 because they can see the blessing in it. 180 00:14:43,620 --> 00:14:48,220 Allah declares in the Quran that he will try mankind with a little fear, hunger, and loss 181 00:14:48,220 --> 00:14:50,300 of life and property. 182 00:14:50,300 --> 00:14:54,760 In such a situation, the believers rejoice and give thanks, hoping that Allah will reward 183 00:14:54,760 --> 00:14:59,360 them with the blessings of paradise if they are patient with them. 184 00:14:59,360 --> 00:15:03,380 They know that Allah will never burden them with a burden beyond their strength, and they 185 00:15:03,380 --> 00:15:07,780 are patient and grateful with the confidence and submission of this. 186 00:15:07,780 --> 00:15:12,160 Even if they are in hardship and difficulty or in comfort, they wake up every morning 187 00:15:12,160 --> 00:15:17,920 with the same enthusiasm and zeal of faith, thanking Allah and striving for Allah's sake 188 00:15:17,920 --> 00:15:20,280 with the same enthusiasm. 189 00:15:20,280 --> 00:15:27,140 Surah An-Nisa states that Allah will surely reward those who give thanks. 190 00:15:27,140 --> 00:15:29,740 What can Allah gain by your punishment? 191 00:15:29,740 --> 00:15:35,840 If ye are grateful and ye believe, nay, it is Allah that recognizeth all good and knoweth 192 00:15:35,840 --> 00:15:38,200 all things. 193 00:15:38,200 --> 00:15:42,700 The wisdom of these signs and evidences of Allah can only be understood with the understanding 194 00:15:42,700 --> 00:15:46,040 and sensitivity of those who are grateful. 195 00:15:46,040 --> 00:15:50,300 Ungrateful and insensitive people cannot understand the wisdom of Allah's verses and do not even 196 00:15:50,300 --> 00:15:57,420 realize them. 197 00:15:57,420 --> 00:16:00,540 Allah has constantly advised the prophets to be grateful. 198 00:16:00,540 --> 00:16:04,860 For example, it is reported in a verse that Moses was told, 199 00:16:04,860 --> 00:16:12,100 Allah said, O Moses, I have chosen thee above other men. 200 00:16:12,100 --> 00:16:17,460 By the mission I have given thee, and the words I have spoken to thee. 201 00:16:17,460 --> 00:16:24,340 Make then the revelation which I give thee, and be of those who give thanks. 202 00:16:24,340 --> 00:16:29,340 The fifteenth verse of Surah Al-Ahkaf shows the importance of gratitude and the example 203 00:16:29,340 --> 00:16:37,920 of a believer asking Allah to be grateful for his blessings in his prayer. 204 00:16:37,920 --> 00:16:41,000 We have enjoined on mankindness to his parents. 205 00:16:41,000 --> 00:16:45,540 In pain did his mother bear him, and in pain did she give him birth. 206 00:16:45,540 --> 00:16:52,980 The carrying of the child to his weaning is a period of thirty months, at length when 207 00:16:52,980 --> 00:16:57,500 he reaches the age of full strength and attains forty years. 208 00:16:57,500 --> 00:17:03,200 He says, O my Lord, grant me that I may be grateful for thy favor which thou hast bestowed 209 00:17:03,200 --> 00:17:08,420 upon me and upon both my parents, and that I may work righteousness such as thou mayest 210 00:17:08,420 --> 00:17:12,060 approve and be gracious to me in my issue. 211 00:17:12,060 --> 00:17:19,460 Surely have I turned to thee, and truly do I bow to thee in Islam. 212 00:17:19,460 --> 00:17:23,540 Knowing Gratitude 213 00:17:23,540 --> 00:17:28,300 The Qur'an informs us that one of the most important goals of Satan is to distract people 214 00:17:28,300 --> 00:17:33,220 from being thankful. 215 00:17:33,220 --> 00:17:36,820 Then will I assault them from before them and behind them, from their right and their 216 00:17:36,820 --> 00:17:47,140 left, nor wilt thou find in most of them gratitude for thy mercies. 217 00:17:47,140 --> 00:17:51,820 It will always be one of the main aims of Satan to prevent people from seeing and being 218 00:17:51,820 --> 00:17:56,540 grateful for the blessings of Allah and to make them ignore them. 219 00:17:56,540 --> 00:18:01,300 In order to be able to be grateful, first of all, it is necessary to have the consciousness 220 00:18:01,300 --> 00:18:04,660 to comprehend the importance of gratitude. 221 00:18:04,660 --> 00:18:10,100 A grateful person knows that Allah is the true owner of the blessings he possesses, 222 00:18:10,100 --> 00:18:15,260 and that Allah is the one who gives them to him, and that he knows his helplessness before 223 00:18:15,260 --> 00:18:16,460 Allah. 224 00:18:16,460 --> 00:18:21,300 The gratitude of a person who ignores the greatness and majesty of Allah and cannot 225 00:18:21,300 --> 00:18:29,700 feel this obvious truth in his heart is equally superficial. 226 00:18:29,700 --> 00:18:34,360 People who do not believe or whose faith is weak only remember Allah for a short time 227 00:18:34,360 --> 00:18:39,020 when a calamity is removed, but then they forget that they prayed to Allah and return 228 00:18:39,020 --> 00:18:41,260 to their lives of disbelief. 229 00:18:41,260 --> 00:18:45,800 In the Qur'an, the situation of people who pray when they are afflicted with calamity 230 00:18:45,800 --> 00:18:50,640 and commit polytheism when distress is removed from them is reported as follows. 231 00:18:50,640 --> 00:18:56,720 Say, Who is it that delivereth you from the dark recesses of land and sea, when ye call 232 00:18:56,720 --> 00:18:59,740 upon him in humility and silent terror? 233 00:18:59,740 --> 00:19:08,220 If he only delivers us from these dangers, we vow, we shall truly show our gratitude. 234 00:19:08,220 --> 00:19:13,600 Say it is Allah that delivereth you from these and all other distresses, and yet ye worship 235 00:19:13,600 --> 00:19:17,320 false gods. 236 00:19:17,320 --> 00:19:19,600 There is no limit to gratitude. 237 00:19:19,600 --> 00:19:25,660 Man can use every opportunity he gets as an occasion of gratitude, just like Prophet Ibrahim. 238 00:19:25,660 --> 00:19:29,660 All believers should realize that Allah is the one who gives them food and drink, and 239 00:19:29,660 --> 00:19:32,700 they should be grateful to Allah for this. 240 00:19:32,700 --> 00:19:36,240 There are countless blessings that people benefit from throughout the day but often 241 00:19:36,240 --> 00:19:40,980 do not think about and only realize their value when they lose them. 242 00:19:40,980 --> 00:19:47,660 Allah has given us eyes and ears to realize these blessings and to thank him. 243 00:19:47,660 --> 00:19:51,660 What people should do is to realize these blessings before they are taken away and to 244 00:19:51,660 --> 00:19:55,540 be grateful. 245 00:19:55,540 --> 00:19:59,940 It is he who brought you forth from the wombs of your mothers when ye knew nothing, and 246 00:19:59,940 --> 00:20:05,580 he gave you hearing, and sight, and intelligence, and affections, that ye may give thanks to 247 00:20:05,580 --> 00:20:07,700 Allah. 248 00:20:07,700 --> 00:20:12,060 It is he who brought you forth from the wombs of your mothers when ye knew nothing, and 249 00:20:12,060 --> 00:20:17,400 he gave you hearing, and sight, and intelligence, and affections, that ye may give thanks to 250 00:20:17,400 --> 00:20:18,660 Allah. 251 00:20:18,660 --> 00:20:21,660 Allah has foretold this fact in his verses. 252 00:20:21,660 --> 00:20:30,060 It is He who has made the sea subject, that ye may eat thereof flesh that is fresh and 253 00:20:30,060 --> 00:20:34,780 tender, and that ye may extract therefrom ornaments to wear. 254 00:20:34,780 --> 00:20:40,060 And thou seest the ships therein that plough the waves, that ye may seek, thus, of the 255 00:20:40,060 --> 00:20:42,820 bounty of Allah, and that ye may be grateful. 256 00:20:42,820 --> 00:20:47,900 Surah An-Nal, 14. 257 00:20:47,900 --> 00:20:53,260 Among his signs is this, that he sends the winds as heralds of glad tidings, giving you 258 00:20:53,260 --> 00:21:00,540 a taste of his grace and mercy, that the ships may sail majestically by his command, and 259 00:21:00,540 --> 00:21:05,060 that ye may seek of his bounty, in order that ye may be grateful. 260 00:21:05,060 --> 00:21:10,300 Surah Ar-Rum, 46. 261 00:21:10,300 --> 00:21:15,820 It is Allah who has subjected the sea to you, that ships may sail through it by his command, 262 00:21:15,820 --> 00:21:19,220 that ye may seek of his bounty, and that ye may be grateful. 263 00:21:19,220 --> 00:21:22,660 Surah Al-Jatiyah, 12. 264 00:21:22,660 --> 00:21:27,620 The believer's gratitude for the blessing given to him is a proof that he is entitled 265 00:21:27,620 --> 00:21:29,420 to this blessing. 266 00:21:29,420 --> 00:21:34,780 In this way, not only does he do justice to the blessing, but with Allah's permission, 267 00:21:34,780 --> 00:21:39,340 a path opens in front of him for a higher blessing. 268 00:21:39,340 --> 00:21:44,380 While Allah has declared that he will increase his blessings to his servants who are grateful, 269 00:21:44,380 --> 00:21:51,380 he has also foretold that those who are ungrateful will be responded with punishment. 270 00:21:51,380 --> 00:21:55,620 And remember, your Lord caused to be declared publicly, 271 00:21:55,620 --> 00:21:59,780 If ye are grateful, I will add more favors unto you. 272 00:21:59,780 --> 00:22:04,540 But if ye show ingratitude, truly my punishment is terrible indeed. 273 00:22:04,540 --> 00:22:09,100 Surah Ibrahim, 7. 274 00:22:09,100 --> 00:22:12,900 Being Among the Grateful. 275 00:22:12,900 --> 00:22:14,540 We are surrounded by blessings. 276 00:22:14,540 --> 00:22:18,100 We should ask Allah for understanding in order to realize these blessings. 277 00:22:18,100 --> 00:22:21,620 We should pray to Allah to see the miracles in the creation of these blessings, and to 278 00:22:21,620 --> 00:22:24,180 experience the excitement of these blessings. 279 00:22:24,180 --> 00:22:28,060 The continuous creation of these countless blessings in our lives should not form a habit 280 00:22:28,060 --> 00:22:32,700 of seeing them as ordinary, because it is only by seeing the wonders around him, by 281 00:22:32,700 --> 00:22:36,820 understanding their subtleties and details, that man can have a high level of faith and 282 00:22:36,820 --> 00:22:42,260 appreciate Allah's worth, that is, his superiority, his glory, and his art. 283 00:22:42,260 --> 00:22:45,780 Of course, we also ask Allah for the ability to appreciate him. 284 00:22:45,780 --> 00:22:49,940 Solomon, who was given the office of prophet, asking Allah to inspire him to be grateful 285 00:22:49,940 --> 00:22:52,660 should be an example for all believers. 286 00:22:52,660 --> 00:22:55,780 Because Satan tries to prevent people from being grateful by approaching them from in 287 00:22:55,780 --> 00:23:00,060 front of them, behind them, to their right and to their left, and by tricks such as making 288 00:23:00,060 --> 00:23:05,060 them forget, giving them a sense of familiarity with the blessings and making them ignore 289 00:23:05,060 --> 00:23:06,060 them. 290 00:23:06,060 --> 00:23:10,660 People sometimes regret when a blessing that they consider great or important is taken 291 00:23:10,660 --> 00:23:12,200 away from them. 292 00:23:12,200 --> 00:23:16,880 This bemoaning may magnify the heedlessness into which a person falls and may lead to 293 00:23:16,880 --> 00:23:19,000 rebellion against Allah. 294 00:23:19,000 --> 00:23:25,200 We honor Allah, but those who believe know that Allah is the creator of all things and 295 00:23:25,200 --> 00:23:29,040 he is the true owner of all things. 296 00:23:29,040 --> 00:23:34,680 Humans can possess all this property belonging to God only temporarily in the capacity of 297 00:23:34,680 --> 00:23:35,680 trustees. 298 00:23:35,680 --> 00:23:40,280 It is within the knowledge and discretion of Allah that we may benefit from that blessing 299 00:23:40,280 --> 00:23:44,440 temporarily or that we may never attain it. 300 00:23:44,440 --> 00:23:49,000 What we need to do is to thank our Lord for the countless other blessings he has given 301 00:23:49,000 --> 00:24:06,920 us, knowing that everything we have has been given to us with wisdom. 302 00:24:06,920 --> 00:24:12,800 The favors given to human beings are not due to any superiority or characteristic in them, 303 00:24:12,800 --> 00:24:15,720 but only as a blessing and a test. 304 00:24:15,720 --> 00:24:20,840 It is not given to be proud, but to realize the blessings and be grateful. 305 00:24:20,840 --> 00:24:26,080 If this is not understood, the property, which is one of these blessings, will not bring 306 00:24:26,080 --> 00:24:31,520 happiness and salvation, both in this world and in the hereafter. 307 00:24:31,520 --> 00:24:37,720 Property is given to be used for the sake of Allah, not to accumulate and pile it up. 308 00:24:37,720 --> 00:24:46,800 Allah declares the end of those who do not do so in the Quran as follows. 309 00:24:46,800 --> 00:24:50,760 And let not those who covetously withhold of the gifts which Allah hath given them of 310 00:24:50,760 --> 00:24:54,120 his grace think that it is good for them. 311 00:24:54,120 --> 00:24:56,320 Nay, it will be the worse for them. 312 00:24:56,320 --> 00:25:00,880 Soon shall the things which they covetously withheld be tied to their necks like a twisted 313 00:25:00,880 --> 00:25:03,680 collar on the day of judgment. 314 00:25:03,680 --> 00:25:08,040 To Allah belongs the heritage of the heavens and the earth, and Allah is well acquainted 315 00:25:08,040 --> 00:25:13,800 with all that ye do. 316 00:25:13,800 --> 00:25:18,240 A believer enjoys all the blessings of this world within the limits of the Quran, but 317 00:25:18,240 --> 00:25:23,380 he never forgets Allah, the hereafter and living according to the morals of the Quran. 318 00:25:23,380 --> 00:25:28,380 No matter how many opportunities such as luxury, splendor, money, and power he has, this does 319 00:25:28,380 --> 00:25:34,660 not cause him to become lax, spoiled, arrogant in short, to abandon the morality of the Quran. 320 00:25:34,660 --> 00:25:38,580 Because he realizes that all of this is a blessing from Allah as a trial, and that he 321 00:25:38,580 --> 00:25:41,060 can take it back if Allah wishes. 322 00:25:41,060 --> 00:25:45,420 He keeps in mind that the blessings in this world are temporary and limited, that he is 323 00:25:45,420 --> 00:25:49,660 tested with these blessings, and that the real ones are in heaven. 324 00:25:49,660 --> 00:25:54,200 For a person who lives the Quranic morality, worldly blessings such as wealth, property 325 00:25:54,680 --> 00:25:59,000 are only a means for him to get closer to Allah and to be grateful. 326 00:25:59,000 --> 00:26:02,920 According to him, having the blessings of the world, which he knows he benefits from 327 00:26:02,920 --> 00:26:06,080 temporarily, is never the main goal. 328 00:26:06,080 --> 00:26:10,360 For example, in a house, which is one of the longest lasting blessings that can be used 329 00:26:10,360 --> 00:26:14,960 in the life of the world, a person will be able to live for an average of 70, 80 years 330 00:26:14,960 --> 00:26:16,120 at most. 331 00:26:16,120 --> 00:26:20,120 At the end of his earthly life, he will leave his beloved house in the world, which he has 332 00:26:20,120 --> 00:26:22,560 worked all his life to own. 333 00:26:22,560 --> 00:26:28,100 Wealth means a final separation between us and all the blessings of this world. 334 00:26:28,100 --> 00:26:33,320 The believer knows that Allah is the true and sole owner of the favors given to him 335 00:26:33,320 --> 00:26:35,720 and that they come only from him. 336 00:26:35,720 --> 00:26:42,140 He does his best to express his gratitude, satisfaction, and appreciation to our Lord, 337 00:26:42,140 --> 00:26:45,060 the creator of these blessings. 338 00:26:45,060 --> 00:26:46,760 As it is stated in the verse, 339 00:26:52,560 --> 00:27:09,880 All the blessings that Allah offers us have a purpose. 340 00:27:09,880 --> 00:27:14,080 Blessings should direct the user of the blessing towards Allah, because everything given requires 341 00:27:14,080 --> 00:27:15,980 gratitude in return. 342 00:27:15,980 --> 00:27:20,240 It is necessary to give the maximum and most sincere gratitude to Allah, who gives the 343 00:27:20,240 --> 00:27:23,640 best blessings to human beings unceasingly. 344 00:27:23,640 --> 00:27:27,760 Gratitude is not only a great worship, but also protects man from becoming unruly. 345 00:27:27,760 --> 00:27:31,280 Because when there is wealth or power in the soul of man, there is an inclination to become 346 00:27:31,280 --> 00:27:33,760 cruel, tyrannical, and unscrupulous. 347 00:27:33,760 --> 00:27:37,420 When some people become rich and have good opportunities, they begin to forget their 348 00:27:37,420 --> 00:27:40,380 weakness and become arrogant. 349 00:27:40,380 --> 00:27:42,320 Gratitude prevents this rampant behavior. 350 00:27:42,320 --> 00:27:46,920 The grateful person knows that Allah is the giver of every blessing he receives. 351 00:27:46,920 --> 00:27:52,060 He is obliged to use this blessing in the way of Allah, in the way our Lord wishes. 352 00:27:52,060 --> 00:27:56,920 This is the real reason for the humility and maturity of prophets such as David and Solomon, 353 00:27:56,920 --> 00:27:59,440 who were given great authority, greatness, and sovereignty. 354 00:27:59,440 --> 00:28:04,040 Karun, who became unruly because of the property given to him, did not give thanks to our Lord 355 00:28:04,040 --> 00:28:07,440 as he should, and he met with a bitter end. 356 00:28:07,440 --> 00:28:09,640 Gratitude is a very important worship. 357 00:28:09,640 --> 00:28:14,360 All the messengers, especially our beloved Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, are an 358 00:28:14,360 --> 00:28:17,480 important example for the believers in this respect. 359 00:28:17,480 --> 00:28:21,880 Our duty is to take the morals of the prophets as an example for ourselves, to live a life 360 00:28:21,880 --> 00:28:26,480 that is aware of all the blessings that Allah has bestowed, to be among those who are grateful 361 00:28:26,480 --> 00:28:32,680 at every moment, and to strongly avoid being ungrateful. 362 00:28:44,360 --> 00:28:51,360 In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.